Research

Capability Overview

|3D Lidar SLAM

Data61’s Robotics group are world leading in 3D Lidar-based simultaneous localisation and mapping (3D SLAM), in terms of research, commercialization and impact. Our research in 3D Lidar- based simulation led to the development of the Zebedee system and a suite of technologies. GeoSLAM is our worldwide technology commercialisation partner, which CSIRO co-founded.

The 3D SLAM algorithms and software developed allow us to generate highly accurate 3D maps of indoor and outdoor environments, including both built (artificial) and natural environments. Our system also automatically provides a highly accurate estimate of the trajectory followed by the sensor . As a result this technology allows direct digitalisation of real 3D landscapes into information that can be utilised for analysis, synthesis and decision-making.

Application examples include:

Recording of homicide crime scenes (Queensland Police)

Mapping caves for the first time (Jenolan, Konalda, Wellington, Cliefden)

|Autonomous Vehicles: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

The Robotics group have develop dependable, fully autonomous UAV systems suitable for real-world tasks. To allow UAVs to sense their surroundings and react accordingly, we added on-board sensing and autonomy . Data61 is one of three civilian research groups in the world who have demonstrated robust beyond line-of-site autonomous mission execution for UAVs. We demonstrated world-first autonomous beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) infrastructure inspection mission in Project ResQu.

|Augmented World Models

Data61’s Robotics Group are world leaders in combining high-accuracy 3D lidar mapping with other sensor modalities. We have create a new area in robotics and computer vision, called Augmented World Models (AWMs) or 3D++. We are developing a comprehensive set of sensor fusion algorithms that allow us to generate world models that combine 3D models obtained from lidar, stereo, or other sensors, with data obtained from RGB, thermal, hyperspectral, environmental, gas, and many other sensors. This allows us to generate AWMs with augmented 3D data for enhanced understanding of scenes, quantifying the world and collecting data beyond “our eyes”.

In-Situ Hyperspectral Mapping (ISHM): 3D + Hyperspectral + RGB + Thermal. This technology has been identified by other BUs (Agriculture and Biosecurity) as essential for phenotyping assessment, identification of pest and diseases. One of our systems, AgScan3D+ (which combines 3D + Hyperspectral + RGB), is being used in joints projects with QLD DAF funded by HIA, projects funded by Vinyculture Australia, phenotyping projects funded by the Agriculture BU.

|Autonomous Vehicles: Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)

Data61 develop autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for mining, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, biosecurity/biodiversity, science surveys, and other applications. These vehicles provide autonomous smart sensing, mapping and inspection. Additionally, mobile manipulators also provide adaptive sensing and object manipulation. This R&D area focuses on the combination of localization and mapping methods, motion planning, obstacle detection, obstacle avoidance and situation awareness, translating all these aspects into operational and useful platforms that can increase productivity and safety across a wide range of applications.

The Robotic’s team has a very strong track history with pull from the mining and manufacturing industries. In recent years the capability autonomous navigation has expanded to include industrial environments and environmental sensing. Some examples of systems developed include: world-first automation of a mining dragline, fully autonomous Load Haul Dump (LHD) vehicle, fully autonomous 20-tonne Hot Metal Carrier (HMC) vehicle, autonomous vehicles for on-road and off-road navigation based on the Gator platform, the Seeker Science Rover, and many other systems.

|Autonomous Vehicles: Legged Robots

Data61’s legged robot research focuses on the development of autonomous robots. These robots are capable of traversing extreme environments (uneven, unstable and multi-type terrain) and complex indoor or confined spaces with the goal of providing remote in situ sensing, mapping, sample acquisition and actuation. We have two foci: 1) small- to medium-scale legged robots that are designed for indoor operation or for confined spaces, and 2) large-scale ultralight legged robots for challenging indoor and outdoor enviroments.

|Development of Advanced Mechatronics Systems

Development of advanced mechatronics systems (integrated systems with communications, sensing, processing, actuation, etc. subsystems) in support of all our R&D areas, as well as other groups within Data61 and other CSIRO Business Units.

The team has developed the robots and systems for 3D Lidar SLAM, 3D++, UAVs, Autonomous Vehicles, legged robotics, Guardian, etc. The team also supports the Sensor Networks Group, as well as projects for the Agriculture, Energy, Biosecurity, Oceans & Atmosphere and other CSIRO Business Units. The Advanced Mechatronics team also plays a core role in the design and implementation of the I3Hub at QCAT, as well as supporting I3Hubs in Melbourne and Tasmania.

A small subset of the world leading research hardware developed include the Miconia survey UAV research platform, the Zebedee 3D scanner, the world first Load Haul Dump (LHD) automated vehicle, an intra-rumen gas sensing systems for cattle, the Starbug Submarine and the small Camazotz device used to do continental-wide tracking of fruit bats